The Salvation Army Responds to Active Shooter Incident in Florence, SC

Florence, S.C. (October 4, 2018) – On Wednesday afternoon, October 3, 2018, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster personnel in Florence, South Carolina deployed a mobile feeding unit and team to provide neighborhood residents, law enforcement and other first responders food, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care following an active shooter incident in a residential area. One law enforcement officer was killed and six others were wounded.

“It’s heartbreaking. We should be heartbroken. But this is an opportunity to come together as a community and love one another in the name of Jesus,” said Lt. Michael McGee of The Salvation Army. “As a community, we can lift one another up. We are going to do what we can to get through this together.”

The Salvation Army mobile feeding unit and crew was already serving local communities impacted by Hurricane Florence and responded quickly when the request from local emergency management was received.

Following the incident the neighborhood was blocked off and an estimated 50 residents could not return home. “I left my house to run to the store- I have five dollars with me. I have my kids with me and they’re hungry,” said one neighborhood resident. Salvation Army officers and feeding crews delivered meals to the line of cars waiting for the neighborhood to reopen.

“A meal is just a meal until you are hungry,” added McGee. “Residents are lined up in cars waiting to get into the neighborhood. Law enforcement officials and first responders are working tirelessly to ensure public safety and investigate the incident. It’s supper time and we are here to feed people and nourish their souls.”

About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

Our Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian
Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission
is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.